Christopher Nolan will debut a six-minute prologue from The Odyssey exclusively in theaters, with select 70mm IMAX screenings offering an early cinematic preview.

Nolan Brings a Theatrical First Look to Audiences

December 9, 2025: Christopher Nolan is once again championing the theatrical experience, announcing that a six-minute prologue from his upcoming film The Odyssey will be released exclusively in theaters. The preview will play only in select cinemas, specifically those equipped for 70mm IMAX screenings.

A Prologue Designed for the Big Screen

The prologue is not being released online or on streaming platforms, reinforcing Nolan’s long-standing belief that films should first be experienced in theaters. By limiting the preview to 70mm IMAX, Nolan is emphasizing large-format visuals, sound precision, and immersive scale—hallmarks of his filmmaking style.

Fans familiar with Nolan’s work note that his prologues often serve as tone-setters rather than simple teasers, offering insight into the film’s scope and ambition.

Why 70mm IMAX Matters

70mm IMAX remains one of the highest-quality film formats available, delivering richer detail, greater clarity, and a more immersive viewing experience than standard digital projection. Nolan has repeatedly advocated for the format, using it on films such as Dunkirk, Interstellar, and Oppenheimer.

The decision to debut The Odyssey prologue in this format signals the scale Nolan intends for the film.

Building Anticipation the Nolan Way

Rather than traditional trailers, Nolan has often relied on theatrical exclusivity to generate anticipation. This approach not only rewards moviegoers but also drives renewed interest in premium cinema experiences.

HOLR has the latest news on how Nolan continues to resist streaming-first strategies in favor of theatrical storytelling.

What the Prologue May Reveal

While plot details remain tightly guarded, the prologue is expected to introduce audiences to the film’s epic tone, visual language, and thematic direction. Industry speculation suggests it may focus more on atmosphere and myth than exposition, aligning with Nolan’s preference for experiential storytelling.

No dialogue or narrative specifics have been officially confirmed.

A Statement About Cinema

Nolan’s decision reflects a broader commentary on the state of filmmaking. As studios increasingly prioritize digital distribution, Nolan remains one of the most vocal defenders of cinema as a communal, large-scale art form.

By making the prologue theater-only, he is reinforcing the idea that some stories are meant to be seen—not streamed.

Limited Access, High Demand

Only select IMAX locations capable of projecting 70mm film will screen the prologue, making it a limited and highly anticipated event. Fans are already tracking participating theaters as excitement builds ahead of the preview’s rollout.

Looking Ahead to The Odyssey

The prologue release offers the first tangible glimpse of The Odyssey, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated films in Nolan’s career. While audiences will need to wait longer for the full feature, the preview underscores one thing clearly: Nolan is once again betting big on theatrical spectacle.